Prestigious membership recognizes beyond-compliance environmental standards

TORONTO. Today, Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen welcomed Exhibition Place as the first facility to be inducted into the Ontario Environmental Leaders Program (OEL), recognizing their outstanding environmental efforts.   The presentation occurred fittingly on the show floor of the Canada’s largest environmental event, The Green Living Show, in Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place. Today’s OEL ceremony also welcomed three other corporations; General Motors, Fielding Chemical and Nalco, bringing the total OEL membership to nine.

Ontario’s Environmental Leaders program is a unique partnership between government and companies that surpass environmental regulations and as responsible corporate citizens, make environmentally-friendly activities a part of their operations.  

“Sustainable and responsible business is good for the environment and the green economy. I commend General Motors, Exhibition Place, Fielding Chemical and Nalco for aggressively greening their Ontario facilities,” said Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen.  

"Exhibition Place is committed to being a world leader in energy-efficient technologies. Since 2004, Exhibition Place has been actively implementing environmental initiatives to create, conserve and reduce energy consumption across our 192-acre site.  We are proud to be welcomed into the Ontario Environmental Leaders program, and thank the ministry for this prestigious honour," said Chair of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place and Deputy Mayor, Joe Pantalone.  

About Exhibition Place:

Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.2 million visitors a year.  Located at Exhibition Place is the award-winning Direct Energy Centre, Canada’s largest exhibition and convention centre. Earlier this week, construction commenced to create a 160,000 square foot Conference Centre which is targeting LEED Silver rating design standard, and will be connected to Direct Energy Centre.  

The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism.  Since 2004, Exhibition Place has undertaken an environmental stewardship initiative, which includes the promotion of sustainable development, environmental initiatives and leading edge green technologies and practices across the site. This environmental initiative has resulted in award winning recognition across North America, and has established Exhibition Place as a world leader in energy-efficient technologies.  

About the Ontario Environmental Leaders Program

The nine members of the Ontario Environmental Leaders Program are: Trillium Health Centre, Teknion, Cargill, Rohm and Haas, Steelcase, General Motors, Fielding Chemical, Nalco and Exhibition Place.

For information on the Ontario Environmental Leaders Program please visit their website at,